Services Australia leadership change announced for South Burnett region

A long-serving Services Australia leader is stepping back, with a long-time local set to fill his shoes and continue supporting the South Burnett community.

John Francis will be stepping up as Services Australia service centre manager for the next 18 months. Photo credit: Services Australia

After serving the South Burnett community for more than 14 years, a well-known government worker will be taking extended leave, with a passionate and experienced local stepping up to continue his work.

Services Australia service centre manager Trevor Stead has committed himself to the Cherbourg and Kingaroy communities for over a decade and has been a regular on local Cherbourg radio for the past six years.

He is well known in the community and has made strong connections with elders and council.

Mr Stead will be going on leave for 18 months from Friday, May 16.

“I’m really looking forward to spending some quality time with my family, travelling to Western Australia, getting out for a bit of fishing, and maybe even hitting the golf course a few times,” he said.

Mr Stead, who has worked in regional areas all his life, said the strong sense of community and inclusivity is what drew him to working and living in the South Burnett.

“There’s a genuine community spirit that makes it hard not to get involved — you feel like you’re part of something meaningful from the moment you arrive.”

Trevor Stead and John Francis from Services Australia Kingaroy. Photo credit: Services Australia

Local man John Francis will be stepping into Mr Stead’s role while he is on leave.

Mr Francis has lived in the South Burnett for 16 years and has worked for Services Australia in Kingaroy for almost seven years.

He is currently the team leader and is looking forward to stepping into Mr Stead’s role, strengthening the community relationships he has built over the years, and continuing to support the region as best he can.

“I am proud to work for Services Australia and to be able to support my community in the moments when they need it most — whether it’s due to natural disasters or just help navigating our payments and services,” Mr Francis said.

Mr Stead said he was grateful to be part of such a “supportive and close-knit community”, and reminded residents that the office will still be there for them.

Services Australia offices and agents are located at 21 Markwell Street, Kingaroy and 13 Fisher Ave, Cherbourg.

Originally published as Services Australia leadership change announced for South Burnett region